Virginia Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling and Attorney General Bob McDonnell each recently released statements honoring Generals Lee and Jackson in recognition of the Lee-Jackson state holiday in the commonwealth. We’ve reproduced the statements below for your enjoyment. It’s nice to know that political correctness has not seized the moral fortitude of all elected officials in the land.

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR BOLLING ISSUES STATEMENT IN RECOGNITION OF LEE-JACKSON DAY IN VIRGINIA

RICHMOND – Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling today issued the following statement in recognition of Lee-Jackson Day in Virginia.

“Remembering the past and those who helped shape it has always been a very important part of Virginia, and today we honor the memory of two great Virginians, Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson.

“Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson served as key figures during the most tumultuous years of our Commonwealth. They were legendary generals who embodied a sense of duty, leadership, courage, dignity and strength that should be respected by all Virginians. They were men of great faith and principle who led exceptional lives that had a profound impact on the direction of our state and nation. They were truly great Virginians.

“I encourage all Virginians to join me on this special day in paying tribute to the memory of General Lee and General Jackson.”

Richmond- Attorney General Bob McDonnell released the following statement regarding today’s Lee-Jackson official state holiday in Virginia.

“Today, the Commonwealth commemorates the lives of two great Virginia military leaders, General Robert E. Lee and General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson. Lee and Jackson were men of principle, dignity, courage, and humility.”

“They were good men and outstanding generals who lived in a different and tumultuous time when our nation was torn asunder. Their lives and accomplishments are worthy of remembrance by all Virginians. Generations of Americans have studied Lee and Jackson for their military prowess. Both received their training at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Lee would later serve as Superintendent of the school. Together, they embodied the best qualities of the American soldier. But those who are also aware of their personal attributes have taken their true measure. Perhaps Robert E. Lee’s greatest legacy is found not on the battlefields, but in the classrooms of the great Virginia university that bears his name and reflects his character. And Stonewall Jackson’s life, though cut short in the tragedy of war, is remarkable not just for the renowned Valley Campaign, but for how he valued faith and family foremost. The memories of these two leaders still echo across Virginia, and we can learn much from their lives. It is fitting that today we pause to remember these two outstanding Virginians, General Robert E. Lee and General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson.”